In one of the most remarkable Champions League upsets in recent memory, Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt delivered a comprehensive 3-1 beating to football giants Manchester City at the Arctic Circle's Aspmyra Stadion. The victory, witnessed by Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, will be remembered as a landmark moment for the small club from northern Norway.
First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone
Kasper Høgh emerged as the hero for the home side, scoring two first-half goals that left Pep Guardiola's star-studded Manchester City side reeling. The Norwegian forward opened the scoring with a precise header past Gianluigi Donnarumma before doubling his tally with an equally composed finish, putting Bodø/Glimt 2-0 up before the interval.
Guardiola's Tactical Conundrum
Manchester City's manager offered no excuses regarding the artificial pitch or the freezing conditions, with temperatures hovering around -1°C at kick-off. Despite City enjoying 69% possession in the first half, they found themselves completely outmanoeuvred by Bodø's tactical discipline and clinical finishing.
Guardiola admitted after the match: "We have to come back due to the feeling that results in 2026 are not good – in terms of the Premier League and today. We have the feeling that everything is going wrong in many details and we have to try to change."
Second-Half Sealer and City Collapse
The Norwegian side extended their lead after the break through Jens Petter Hauge's magnificent curled effort that rocketed into the top corner, sending the 8,000-capacity stadium into raptures. City managed a consolation goal through Rayan Cherki on the hour mark, but any hopes of a comeback were dashed when captain Rodri received two quick yellow cards and was sent off.
Historical Context and Club Transformation
Bodø/Glimt's achievement becomes even more remarkable when considering their recent history. As recently as 2017, the club was competing in Norway's second tier. Under manager Kjetil Knutsen, they have since won four consecutive Eliteserien titles and now boast one of European football's most famous scalps.
Knutsen, a former teacher, reflected on the victory: "It's big for us to beat one of the best in the world. All the fans are happy, a day they will remember for the rest of their lives – a great day for a small club like Bodø/Glimt."
Champions League Implications
The result leaves Manchester City's direct qualification for the Champions League last 16 hanging in the balance, with the English champions sitting on 13 points ahead of Galatasaray's visit next week. For Bodø/Glimt, the victory gives them six points and keeps alive their dream of reaching the playoffs in their debut Champions League campaign.
Haaland's Homecoming Disappointment
Erling Haaland, who grew up in Bryne approximately 1,800 kilometres south of Bodø, had a particularly disappointing return to Norwegian soil. The striker missed several chances and took full responsibility for his performance after the match.
"Bodø played some incredible football and in the end it's deserved," Haaland told TNT Sports. "I don't have the answers. I take full responsibility of not being able to score the goals I should do. I just apologise to every single Manchester City supporter, everyone that travelled today, because in the end it's embarrassing."
The victory represents more than just three points for Bodø/Glimt – it's a statement about football's enduring capacity to produce magical moments that defy expectations and remind everyone why the beautiful game continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
